Dumping above Mission Creek prompts environmental investigation
A mixture of dirt, gravel, clay and silt has been illegally dumped over the edge of a bluff above Mission Creek prompting an environmental investigation.
City of Kelowna Community Sustainability general manager Jim Paterson said that his department has teamed up with the Central Okanagan Regional District to look into the illegal dumping allegations.
“It seemed almost like a liquid clay, a very moist clay product at first. It is currently being analyzed. Literally it was poured into a gully from a private property and it has oozed down he bank and is now in close proximity to a walking trail,” said Paterson.
The property in question is located on East Kelowna Road.
“We’re monitoring the situation and working very closely with Central Okanagan Regional District to determine who’s at fault and what the extent of the issues are.”
Regional district spokesman Bruce Smith said a visitor to Mission Creek Regional Park noticed the material on Jan. 20 prompting the investigation, which is still underway.
“Our parks bylaw officer and City of Kelowna environmental and bylaw staff investigated and advised the Ministry of Environment as well,” said Smith.
Environment ministry fisheries biologist Tara White said she did a site visit and fortunately at this point the material has not seeped into the creek, where it could have impacted aquatic life.
“It has not entered the creek and we wouldn’t get involved now unless it does,” said White.
Smith also noted that the material has not yet gone beyond a forested area or impacted any “active” parts of the Mission Creek trail network.
“It is far enough away at the present time,” he stated. “But, we’ll be seeking that the area is cleaned up by those responsible and that the impact to the park is mitigated.”
Paterson added that the city and the regional district would also ensure that the person or people that caused the damage would incur the cost of the cleanup.
jluciw@kelownacapnews.com
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